Multiple Fires Break Out Across Cooranbong, Disrupting Traffic and Sparking Concerns

Emergency services have responded to a series of grass fires across the Cooranbong area today, with four (UPDATE: NOW SIX) separate blazes confirmed by mid-afternoon. The fires, located around Mount Faulk Road, Freemans Drive, and surrounding areas, have impacted traffic on the M1 Motorway and raised concerns about potential arson.

The fires began early this morning, with reports coming in from various locations between 4:59 am and 5:06 am. Crews from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) were quickly dispatched to contain the fires, all of which were under control by 3:00 pm. However, significant smoke remains visible in the area, particularly from the M1, leading to a closure of one northbound lane and heavy traffic delays.

The affected areas include:

• Mount Faulk Road: Two fires have been confirmed along this route, one burning near the M1, which caused initial traffic disruptions. Fire crews accessed the area directly from the motorway.
• Freemans Drive: Two more fires broke out further north, near Awaba, leading to further complications for motorists travelling through the area.
• Osland Road and Mount Nellinda Road: Additional fires have been reported here, though specific details are still being investigated by fire and police authorities.

The RFS has advised that, while the fires have been brought under control, residents should remain vigilant. Anyone in the vicinity who notices suspicious activity is urged to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.

Road Closures and Traffic Updates
By 1:00 pm, the incident had been classified as a major event, with police and fire investigators involved. Northbound lanes of the M1 were partially closed to allow emergency vehicles access, and traffic was brought to a standstill for several hours. The NSW Government Traffic Management team worked to reopen all lanes, with the road fully cleared by the afternoon.

Drivers are still advised to proceed with caution in the area, as smoke may continue to affect visibility.

Local Response
Dora Creek Rural Fire Brigade, which responded to multiple fires in the area, confirmed that the fires were grass fires, spreading quickly due to dry conditions. While no homes were reported as being directly threatened, the brigade has stressed the importance of vigilance in the coming days, given the rapid spread and high fire danger in the region.

One local resident, Ashley Johnston, noted in a social media post that spot fires had been seen near Freemans Drive and the Watagan Mountains, further emphasising the widespread nature of the incident. Other residents expressed relief that their properties were not affected but remained cautious about the potential for more fires to break out.

Ongoing Investigation
Arson has not yet been ruled out as a cause of the fires. NSW Central Coast Incident Alerts posted updates throughout the day, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity to authorities. While initial reports have suggested that no suspicious individuals have been sighted, the matter remains under investigation.

Emergency services will continue to monitor the area overnight to ensure no further fires ignite. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.

For further updates, contact the NSW Rural Fire Service or visit the NSW Government Traffic Management website for live traffic conditions.